Many families today find they are caring for young children and their aging parents simultaneously. The parents may not need full-time care yet, but the day may be coming. Families need to know what to do when a loved one becomes more forgetful and absent-minded. What leads to senior memory loss and forgetfulness?
Most people find their memory and cognitive skills change as they get older. Any person may forget where they set their wallet or be unable to recall a person’s name. However, as the problem progresses, a family might find it is time to look into memory care for seniors, particularly if the senior suffers from any type of dementia.
When is There a Cause for Concern?
Families often wonder when they need to intervene with a senior. A family might choose to look into assisted living when they notice their loved one is not bathing regularly or misses medication doses. The senior might be able to live alone but need extra help when doing so. If memory loss and forgetfulness aren’t impacting the senior’s life on a daily basis, the family may have time to explore all living arrangements.
Signs Additional Help is Needed
When the senior asks the same question again and again, it may be time to look into a senior living community with a memory care option. The senior is showing signs of dementia and should be checked by a medical professional. If dementia is the diagnosis, the senior will need additional care. Support for seniors in their homes will no longer be enough in this situation.
Memory Care Communities
Memory care communities cater to seniors suffering from memory loss and forgetfulness. Individuals with dementia need a structured environment to keep stress to a minimum. They must also be kept safe at all times. A memory care community ensures the residents eat, shower regularly, and more. They provide the same care as seen in an assisted living community while also addressing issues seen with dementia and other memory loss disorders.
Staff members check in on the residents frequently. They ensure each senior has the structure needed to thrive. The communities are designed with safety in mind. Memory care communities have alarms on doors and windows to prevent wandering. Wandering is a real concern when it comes to those with dementia, as the Alzheimer’s Association reports 60 percent of these individuals take off on their own.
Elevators have codes that must be entered before they can be used. Outdoor spaces remain enclosed to ensure residents don’t leave the property unattended. In addition, many communities provide residents with tracking devices. If the senior wanders off on their own, the staff can track them and bring them back to the secured community.
The community plans activities with residents in mind. These activities ensure the residents receive stimulation when interacting with others in the community. This socialization is of great importance to seniors who are at high risk of isolation and depression.
Comparing Senior Living Options
Senior living options vary by the level of care needed. Independent living communities are designed for seniors who wish to live alone but want access to help if needed. They could continue to reside in their own homes but like the community setting. They always have people to socialize with when this option is selected.
Assisted living options provide more help for residents. A person may receive help carrying out basic hygiene tasks or medication management. Staff members within the community provide this help. The senior has their own living accommodations, but help is readily available.
Memory care communities provide care for seniors with dementia and other memory loss issues. Care for each senior is tailored to their specific needs. This ensures the senior maintains the highest quality of life as long as possible.
Families should look for communities that offer varying levels of care. The seniors won’t need to relocate as they need more care. This provides them with more stability during difficult times in their lives.
Learn more about a memory care senior living community and its benefit. Many families find this type of setting best meets the needs of their loved ones. They can rest easy knowing the senior is receiving care around the clock and is safe. That’s the most important thing.
About Palm Vista Senior Living
Palm Vista believes in compassionate, graceful aging. Our staff remains committed to excellent service, making it a way of life within the community. Everything we do is geared toward improving the lives of our residents.
